Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the questions. As he can understand, in a war situation, particularly in a civil war situation, it is never easy for humanitarian aid to get to all of the areas affected. We operate largely with the United Nations and with the Red Cross-Red Crescent - these are the bodies that have the greatest access - and also with the refugees on the borders with the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. The Minister has been to Turkey already; I have been to Jordan. Next week, I will be travelling to the Lebanon to see what the situation is in the camps.

The European Union has been to the fore in providing €1.8 billion in assistance - the largest contribution. In many ways, this is only part of what is required because the overall estimate by the United Nations for 2013 alone is €5.2 billion. While 55% or thereabouts of it has been provided in relation to refugees, there was still less than 50% for displaced persons. There is a significant element required in terms of the pledges that have been committed but which we are awaiting to be delivered.

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